Überwendungsnaht

Überwendungsnaht is a German term used in sewing and garment construction. The term is not widely standardized in modern technical dictionaries; in sources that mention it, it is used to describe a seam that serves an application function—that is, to secure an applied piece (Applikation) to a base fabric or to join separate fabric parts by forming a border around the applied area. The essence is that the seam is intended to apply or attach material rather than to join two large fabric edges in typical assembly. Depending on the source, the execution resembles other seams such as the appliqué stitch, the satin stitch around the edge, or a simple running stitch with a narrow seam allowance. In practice, the choice of stitch and finishing depends on fabric type, purpose, and durability requirements. When used to finish edges of a patch or decorative element, it may be combined with edge finishing such as a narrow turn-under, a zigzag, or an overlock to prevent fraying and to create a neat outer contour.

Etymology: from über- (over, across) + Anwendungsnaht (application seam). See also: Appliqué seam, Overlock seam, Lap seam.